Five reasons to believe in the Bengals

The Bengals are the best team in the AFC North, but can they actually make a postseason run? Here are five reasons to believe.

(Marc Lebryk – USA TODAY Sports)

Andy Dalton’s hoping for a contract … Dalton is on the final year of his contract. He wants to stay in Cincinnati and earn the big contract that has been given to several quarterbacks in the last few seasons. He has a huge incentive to win this season so he can get a long-term deal when it’s over.

… and to finally win a playoff game. Cincinnati has been to the playoffs in four of the last five seasons, but hasn’t won any of those games. Dalton said returning to the playoffs and getting that win is their biggest motivations.

Return of Geno Atkins: He had six sacks before going down with an ACL tear on Halloween. Though the Bengals are moving him along slowly in camp, he is expected to be ready for Week 1. The return of the All-Pro defensive tackle will bolster the team’s already strong defense.

A.J. Green is still awesome: In just three seasons in the NFL, Green has 3,833 receiving yards. The Bengals know how to use him consistently without basing their whole offense on him, and he pairs up well with Dalton.

(Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports)

Vontaze Burfict is more than just an awesome name: With 114 tackles, three sacks and a pick, Burfict proved himself as a complete player in 2013. The Bengals gave up just 96.5 yards per game on the ground in 2013, and Burfict is the major reason why.